Show me your ditches!

Okay, I need to come up with something I can plant in the ditch in front of the house that will stay alive year round. The ditch doesn't hold water, just drains through if it rains a lot. The ditch is pretty shallow, but it just looks terrible. There is a good bit of ditch, so I'd like to find something that will spread quickly.

Does anyone plant in their ditch? Got pictures? Any suggestions?

Megin

ornamental grasses.

Hmm...I'll have to see what's out there.

Thanks,
Megin

I thought of Louisiana Iris but I think both the iris and the grasses would quickly block the ditch in your climate.

How tall do you want the plants to be?

I don't want them to be super tall. I want something that will cover enough to keep the weeds down to a minimum but still look nice. Cutting this ditch is a hassle even though it's not deep, it's just awkward. So, I'd like to put something in it so all I have to do is cut around it.

ditches are tough because most everything needs weeding until it get established.
and also ditches have quick drain sometimes very dry that most plants do not like. and since at least here anyway, grasses are all that wants to grow in the ditches i would think they would be the best thing.

Megin,
Hello neighbour!

I don't have to contend with ditches, but if I did, I would try some Asiatic Jasimine.
I had it in my front beds prior to Katrina and it was tough as nails, and very nice looking.
Try this website to have a look
http://classygroundcovers.com/cat----TRACHELOSPERMUM-asiaticum&affl=google-asiatic-jasmine?gclid=CNX7k8vau44CFQdSUAodbBtJ1A
Cheers
Cath

Cool someone close to home! Hi!! That jasmine looks like it will work. Maybe I'll do that and some canna here and there. Thank you!

~Megin

M,
Have you tried to grow canna before? Just wanted to know if you are familiar with how much maintenance they are.
Don't get me wrong, they are my favorite and I have about a dozen in my gardens.
But they take constant work for the leafrollers.
good luck!
C

This message was edited Sep 13, 2007 8:08 AM

If your are interested in Asiatic Jasimine, you might like the variegated variety. It adds a little more color the the solid green. I have some just getting started in my ditch. I had it in another part of my yard a few years ago and it really looks great when it gets full.

When I had it before it grew about 8 to 12 inches deep and choked out all weeds. As you can see here it is just getting started but when it's finished filling in it be completely covered in green and white leaves with no bare areas.

Oh the variegated is pretty! I'm gonna see if my local nursery has some and see how it goes. Thank you guys for your input!

Megin